Nigeria: Curtailing the Killing Business

Ibrahim Shuaibu writes on the need to end the orgy of killing in Kano which has worsened in view of the campaign of terror by Boko Haram

Apart from the fact that the nation's history is replete with killings- ranging from political to business and even personal vendetta, most of which have not been unraveled by the security agencies, the spate of killings in recent time has become even more niggling, coupled with the menace of Boko Haram sect which has continued to target high profile individuals for a course it cannot defend in the estimation of any right thinking person.

Sadly, the attack, at the weekend on the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, has further raised concern on the subject matter. While the revered monarch and his son narrowly escaped death in an attack he was believed to be the prime target, his driver, two palace guards and an official of Kumbusto Local Government who were in the convoy were not as lucky. They all died. Indeed, it was a sign that those in the trade of killing are no respecter of anybody.

But the killing, last year, of two Kano State House of Assembly members and the alleged confession of the culprits may have redirected attention on how to handle such cases in the best way possible for many reasons. One, is ensuring that appropriate sanctions, through laid down procedure serve as deterrent and two, which is a fall out of the sanctions is ultimately, the suppression of the killing business.

However, as the latest victims of premeditated killing, it may not be a total loss for the families of the two members of Kano Assembly who were shot dead last year by gunmen. The latest story behind the confession of one Lawal Ibrahim and his alleged sponsor, Alhaji Saleh Kura, both of whom have been arrested by the police in connection with the killing is not one that can be brushed aside. The law, as it appears, might ultimately take its full course and if it does, might breathe new hope on the horizon.

The confession, as it were, will shock those who know the relationship that existed between the late Honourable Ibrahim Abba Garko and Kura, who is now helping the police with investigation on why he instigated his killing.

Either by providence or police own way of extracting information, Kura was quoted to have told the police that: "I sponsored the killing of the two lawmakers," adding that as a politician who deals with different set of criminals as boys working for him, the killing of the lawmakers was an act of the devil.

In a recorded interrogation, the suspect said Kura was his neighbour who had sponsored them to kill the two lawmakers and promised to give them the sum of one hundred thousand naira (100,000) each for the killings.

"Our sponsor, Alhaji Sale Kura, hired us and bargained to pay the N100,000 after the completion of our mission, but luck ran out on us when I am arrested without collecting the balance."

Kura, 54 of Layin Yarbawa, Unguwa Uku quarters, owns a boutique at Sabon Gari market, Layin Sani Abacha, had allegedly confessed that he sponsored the criminals to kill the other legislator, Hon Danladi Isah Kademi, for a fee of N100, 000, of which only N30, 000 was paid, while the outstanding balance of N70, 000 was still being awaited before their arrest.

THISDAY exclusively heard the interrogation tape of suspect Ibrahim from the police where he confessed to having committed the crime as well as revealed their sponsor, Kura.

"I Knew the late Alhaji Abba Garko, whom we prayed together at 'Yan awaki' mosque before his assassination and I reported the matter to the police after he was killed," he said on tape.

Asked why they did not harm or wound Kura who was with Garko during the attack, the suspect said: "They will not hurt or wound me because we arranged how to successfully conduct the killing."

He also admitted that the name and GSM contact of Kura was discovered on Lawan's mobile phone, as well as different call logs between the duo which demonstrated criminal conspiracy between."

Lawal added that together with other members of his gang who are now at large, killed the lawmakers, but as directed by Kura.

"I was influenced by the sponsor, Alhaji Sale Kura, and it was a successful operation before we were arrested and I don't know his mission of sponsoring us to kill the lawmakers, but what I knew is that he's a politician and former party chairman of PDP in Tarauni local government."

Kura also claimed to know the slain lawmakers and the accused he described as his neighbour.

Unfortunately, the development has begun to shape the political temperature of the state as many people now go about their duties with fears of the unknown, families of the deceased inclusive. A clear cut case of political killing with those involved owning up is deemed strange, hence the fear of a possible backlash that might be unfavourable for many.

Although when contacted, families of the deceased decline comments on account of the fact that the police are still investigating the matter and their comments could throw spanner in the wheels of work, there are indications that the police are also taking the matter seriously if at all it would help redeem their image.

But much as the police seem enthusiastic about the case given their level of commitment to investigation and bursting more of the notorious gangs, the killing of the lawmakers is an eye opener; security agencies, observers believe have a duty to buckle up efforts in their primary duty to protect lives and property.

This, observers contend, has even become compelling in the light of the fact that elections will run from this year till 2015 and cases of attacks on personalities and even killings might be a common feature. While Anambra State governorship election is due later this year, Ekiti and Osun would follow in the coming year while the rest would hold in 2015.

As a result, observers are of the view that the security of lives is non-negotiable and possible through determination that would finally subdue the trend of killing in the country.

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